At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the development function and drive philanthropic support for Oundle School.
- Company: Oundle School, a prestigious independent school with a strong community ethos.
- Benefits: Join a rewarding environment that values your contributions and offers career growth.
- Other info: Open to diverse backgrounds; commitment to safeguarding and equal opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by securing support for life-changing bursaries and educational access.
- Qualifications: Proven track record in fundraising and relationship-building skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 90000 £ per year.
Applications are invited for the role of Director of Development at Oundle School. This is an exciting opportunity to lead the development function of a world‑renowned independent school, widely recognised for its strong community ethos, distinguished alumni and commitment to philanthropy. The next Director of Development will join at a pivotal moment in the School’s continued evolution, with the opportunity to drive growth and secure the philanthropic support that enables pupils to thrive both at school and beyond.
An Oundle education is distinctive. Founded in 1556 by Sir William Laxton, Lord Mayor of London, the School is one of Britain’s leading co‑educational schools and is celebrated for its exceptional boarding provision. Oundle School offers a welcoming environment in which the pupil experience is formative and dynamic. The School takes its responsibilities to pupils seriously so that they emerge as decent, open‑minded adults. The School is a rewarding and exciting place to work where the contribution that every employee makes to the life of both Schools and pupils is valued.
Development plays a central role in sustaining Oundle’s heritage and enabling its future ambition. The Director of Development will lead and champion the School’s engagement with Old Oundelians, its fundraising strategy and its ambitious bursary programme. The postholder will be instrumental in strengthening philanthropic activity and building long‑term support, with a particular focus on widening access through life‑changing bursary provision and ensuring that pupils from a broad range of backgrounds can benefit from an Oundle education.
The successful candidate will bring a strong track record of securing major gifts at scale. They will be a natural relationship‑builder and collaborative leader, able to oversee fundraising and alumni relations across multiple constituencies and to help shape and communicate Oundle’s vision both nationally and internationally.
Applications are welcomed from candidates from a wide range of backgrounds, within and beyond education, who bring relevant experience of fundraising strategy, a demonstrable ability to secure significant philanthropic support and a genuine commitment to the ethos and values of Oundle School.
A CV and Covering Letter should be submitted to Odgers by 09.00 UK BST on Friday 7 August 2026. Oundle School and Laxton Junior School are proud to be equal opportunity employers and we welcome applications from all. We aim to ensure that all applicants are provided with the same opportunities during the recruitment process, and we endeavour to comply with the duties placed upon us to make reasonable adjustments as prescribed by the Equality Act 2010. Should you need to request a particular adjustment to enable you to participate fully in the recruitment process, please ensure that this is made known to the HR Department.
Both Schools are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Applicants will be required to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service.
